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Bruno Mars to headline Super Bowl halftime show

Bruno Mars performs during the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards in New York in this August 25, 2013 file photo. Photo: Reuters/Eric Thayer/Files

By David Jones

NEWARK, New Jersey (Reuters) – Grammy-winning singer Bruno Mars was named on Sunday as the headliner for the halftime show at next year’s Super Bowl.

Mars and his band, The Hooligans, were introduced before hundreds of screaming fans at the Fox NFL Sunday broadcast, which was held live from Times Square in New York City to kick off the first full weekend of professional football.

“It’s just an honor,” Mars said. “We just got off tour so being able to come to New York City and announce this right now is incredible. We’re celebrating, we’re celebrating for sure.”

The National Football League says the Super Bowl halftime show is the most-watched music event in the world. It says more than 110.5 million viewers saw last year’s show featuring R&B superstar Beyonce.

Next year, Super Bowl XLVIII will be held on February 2 at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Mars, 27, whose style ranges from pop to reggae, will join a roster of music legends who have headlined the Super Bowl halftime show, including Bruce Springsteen, Prince and Madonna.

Asked if he planned any surprises, Mars said: “It’s five months from now, so I got a couple of phone calls to make.”

The Hawaiian born singer, whose real name is Peter Gene Hernandez, is a 14-time Grammy nominee and has sold more than 115 million singles worldwide.

He is currently on a 91-city tour, a statement from the National Football League said.

Billboard magazine says Mars scored his first five No. 1 hits on the ‘Hot 100′ chart faster than any male recording artist since Elvis Presley.